Running Shoe Fit Tips

Running Warehouse has created this Fit Tips section to help you achieve a proper fitting shoe. Take your time trying on the shoes in the comfort of your home and ensure they fit properly by using the following Fit Tips.

When shopping for shoes keep the following in mind:

Feet get larger with age. We recommend you measure your feet or have them measured once a year. Here's a PDF version of a Brannock device that will help.

The vast majority of returns are because the shoes ordered are too small. Running shoes traditionally fit at least a half size smaller than your dress shoes, which means you should go up in size for your running shoes. Running in shoes that are a tad too large is superior to running in shoes that are a tad too small.

Your left and right foot may differ by as much as a full size. Fit the larger foot.

Women's feet may become a half size larger or more during and after pregnancy.

Feet tend to get longer with age.

Before trying on new shoes, it is best to do the following:

Make sure you try on your new shoes in the type of socks you'll wear with the shoes. Different socks may alter the fit.

Feet swell during the day. Try on your new shoes later in the day, when your feet are their largest.

Once you have your new shoes on, check the following to ensure your new shoes fit properly:

The heel should fit snugly with no slippage.

The mid-foot - the area under the arch and over your instep - should fit comfortably snug but not too tight.

The toe-box should have enough room to wiggle your toes.

Because feet swell during a run, allow a thumbnail's width between the length of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Moving from the ankle forward, the material of shoe around your foot should go from fitted, to relaxed, to loose around the toes. The material should not be taut around the ball of the foot. If it is taut, then you need a wider shoe.

Before you run, keep the following in mind:

Give your feet time to adjust to new shoes - walk around the house casually for a bit before working out in your new shoes.

A good rule of thumb for running shoes - if they hurt in your living room, they will definitely hurt on the road.

Running Warehouse will happily accept your returns, but your new shoes must be returned in store bought condition to receive credit or to exchange the product. Please take your time and make sure your new shoes fit properly before heading out for your next training run in them. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us or call our customer service department at 1-800-606-9598.